“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”- Loren Eiseley Wikipedia defines water as is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance which provides no calories or organic nutrients. Yet water is vital for all known forms of life. What role can builders, raters and providers play in the protection of this unique natural resource? Seasoned water efficiency professional Jonah Schein from the US EPA joins Ryan Meres, Program Director at RESNET on the podcast to give us updates on the EPA WaterSense and HERSH2O® programs. We delve into how HERSH2O is used to achieve the WaterSense Label as well as discuss a recent RESNET/EPA Pilot Program for WaterSense v2.0. We learn how the WaterSense Version 2.0 pilot has developed the necessary feedback on how to best support the building industry whilst ensuring that the needs of home buyers are met. In the course of our discussion, Ryan and Jonah reveal how raters, providers and builders can and should get involved in rating homes for water efficiency. Ryan covers the eligibility, criteria and steps involved in becoming a HERSH2O® Rater or Provider, including the online training. Tapping into Jonah’s extensive background, we also explore the importance of water efficiency and conservation efforts. You’ll find information on the EPA’s WaterSense program at https://www.epa.gov/watersense For more information on the RESNET HERSH20 program, visit: https://www.resnet.us/about/hersh2o/ Listen to the full episode here.
